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A number of Arab states have also closed their airspace to Qatar Airways.

BA in Argentina clash

Budget airline Norwegian is taking on British Airways by launching a new service from London to Argentina for £299 next year in a challenge to BA's dominance.

BA currently monopolises the direct route and tickets can range from £749 return to more than £1,900 one way. Announcing the move, Norwegian said it was aiming to drive down fares and offer more choice.

Flights start on February 14, with a weekly service of four flights all year round.

Passengers will travel from Gatwick to Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport on new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

According to the US carrier, it had not yet received written notice from the Gulf carrier of its intention to invest.

A 10 per cent stake would make Qatar one of American's largest shareholders and comes after the firm raised its stake in IAG to 20.4 per cent last August.

The two firms have been at loggerheads over competition concerns with American accusing Qatar of using state subsidies to offer substantially lower fares.

In a filing confirming the approach it said a holding by Qatar Airways would not change its stance on the position.

Anyone seeking to acquire at least 4.75 per cent of its stock is required to receive approval from its board after giving written notice, which had not yet been received.

The gulf carrier's investment would trigger a review by the antitrust division of the US justice department.

Hungarian airline Wizz Air has opened its new base at Luton Airport. The hub will support up to 36 new jobs and run services to Tel Aviv, Kosovo and Kutaisi in Georgia.